S&W 44's and hot loads

[Takem406]

Seriously considering a model 69 for a supplement to bear mace. Having small hands it fits me better than any other.

Hypothetically I'd want to load said gun with some Buffalo Bore hard casts or something similar.

Now being a former gun counter guy I know to take everything they say with some salt lol. But a a guy this weekend tried telling me that Rugers are only strong enough for these hot loads. Any fact to this? Anyone own a 69?
Thanks boys

 

[PapaG]

Don't own one but I'd contact both Smith and Wesson and Buffalo Bore first. I doubt that a few now and then would hurt it.
I don't even feed my old 29-2 a steady diet of full load stuff. Nor my 19. My Super Blackhawk, however, is another story.
As a matter of fact, I have a somewhat cosmetically challenged Super (spare???) that I'm thinking of cutting to 5 or 5 1/2", putting a standard Blackhawk grip frame on it and calling it my "woods" gun.

 

[Drail]

What kind of bear are we talkin here?

 

[CraigC]

It will be a handful but should be fine up to their 305gr load. Definitely not with the 340gr., which will probably be way too long to fit anyway.

 

[crazysccrmd]

I've shot plenty of heavy loads in my Model 69 with no problems. I'm not worried about damage in the least, it's a well built revolver. Haven't tried anything over 305gr (HSM and BB) since I don't have any loaded ammo or that weight of bullet to load on hand. It's easier to handle than my 629 Mountain Gun, despite being lighter, because it fits my hand right.

 

[rcmodel]

Just give the Model 69 + Buffalo Bore loads to the bear and let him shoot at you.

He will give up in pain after a couple of shots!

rc

 

[jdavis123]

I like the way you think, rcmodel. LOL
I suspect that a heavy load like the Buffalo Bore solids could be brutal even if within SAMI specifications when fired from the 69.

 

[crazysccrmd]

You definitely feel it when you pull the trigger. I've read the S&W X frame rubber grips help a lot but haven't bought them yet.

 

[Takem406]

Grizzlies. Understanding that no revolver is a good choice for bear protection, but something is better than nothing. I will be carrying mace as well. Good to know on the 69, yeah the other models and Rugers are too big for my hand. Can you swap the factory rubber grips for something slimmer?

 

[mooner]

Buffalo Bore 300 Grn Heavy 44 mag caused sticking cases (and a bruised hand) in my 629-4. I decided it wasn't worth the extra wear and gave them to a Super Redhawk owner. I don't think I would bother using them in an "L" frame.

Regular old Winchester 44 mag 240 grn will have to do should I ever need to use them for bear protection.

 

[paul105]

I have two M69s. Haven't shot any Buffalo Bore ammo. As Craig C said above, the 305gr should be OK in the M69 if it fits the cylinder. Remember the M69 cyl is a bit shorter than the M629. The 340gr +P+ is only for use in specified guns - https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=54

629 Mtn Gun Cylinder Length: 1.705”
M69 L Frame Cylinder Length: 1.670”

This will limit some ammo and should be considered when selecting ammo due to possible crimp jump with 300gr bullets

Garrett Hammerhead "Defender" ammo may be the best choice for your intended use http://www.garrettcartridges.com/44defendertech.html

Heavy bullets will shoot 6" or so high at 25 yds with factory sights. Here's a target picture showing POI for various bullets weights. Shot TWO SHOT GROUPS (separated with black lines for clarity) with rear sight bottomed out off of a rest at 25 yds using the center diamond as POA for all loads. Velocities written on target are actual chrono results. Shooting high probably won’t matter in a defensive situation.
.


I really like the M69.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[Takem406]

Oooooo that's not bad shooting! Seems like a good comprises for a guy in the backcountry with small hands. That or get a 454 in a Redhawk...

 

[LoneGoose]

Most bear attacks occur when the hiker comes up on the bear unexpectedly and startles the bear. To let the bear hear them coming, a lot of hikers tie little bells into their boot laces. Most hikers do carry pepper spray in case of attack. Black bears are shy and will most likely move away from a hiker. Brown bears are aggressive and can charge without warning. It is best to learn how to interpret bear sign to know who's area you are in. Identifying bear scat (poop) will help you. Black bear scat will be in smaller piles and will have seeds and fur in it. Brown bear scat is in large piles, has little bells in it and smells like pepper.

 

[dickydalton]

Unarmed hikers sleeping in sleeping bags are the soft shell tacos of the Bear Country.

 

[dickydalton]

Hello

 

[Deaf Smith]

Just remember this gents.

Pepper spray won't reach far, in case you have to stop the bear that is charging others at even a modest 20 yards away.

And if you are in REAL bear country, say the Alaska Peninsula, where there is one bear per square mile, I'd take a 12 gauge with Brenneke Black Magic Magnum Ammo.

Deaf

 

[murf]

looks like the keith bullet at 1140 fps is the winner on paul105's target. should be enough to get to the brain pan of a griz.

murf

 

[MICHAEL T]

I don't go into bears home and I expect the same from them. So far has worked great.

 

[Catpop]

Dickydalton, that is priceless!
Catpop

 

[Drail]

Indeed.

 

[CajunBass]

dickeydalton....I am STILL laughing. Every time I THINK about it, it starts all over.

Just to stay on topic. I got no idea what load to use for bears.